Respondus Lockdown For iPad
Respondus Lockdown Browser is a secure web browser designed for remotely proctored tests in Canvas. It prevents students from printing, copying or accessing another application or URL and requires webcam ID verification for additional protection.
Instructors may utilize the LockDown Browser option when creating exams to prevent their students from accessing other programs, websites and iPad applications.
Requirements
Respondus Lockdown Browser is a customized web browser designed to stop students from printing, copying, going to another URL or accessing other applications during an assessment in Canvas. It records audio and video of students taking exams to allow instructors to verify it is indeed them taking tests. Respondus Monitor, a proctoring software used in tandem with this browser, monitors student activity to detect suspicious activities such as attempts at cheating.
Instructors can enable Respondus Lockdown for their exams by selecting the relevant option when creating an exam. When enabled, Respondus Lockdown becomes available for students to select as their browser for test taking via a drop-down menu; additionally, Respondus Monitor must also be enabled in order to fully utilize this tool.
Students using iPads now have access to a Lockdown Browser app designed for exams requiring its use on their devices, making exams that require its browser easier than ever. After downloading from Apple App Store and following its instructions for setting up “Guided Access”, students can create four-digit passcode that they will use at the end of their examination to exit it at its conclusion and access Lockdown Browser again on homescreen after exams are over.
Students can opt to use the Chromebook version of Lockdown Browser and Monitor on their laptops as well. To do so, they will need to log into their online course, select the option for “Require Respondus Lockdown Browser for this exam”, and install its extension through a link provided. When installed successfully, students will be asked for permission for microphone recording or facial features capture as some assessments require video recordings or image captures.
Instructors should provide information about these tools in their course syllabus and tests, with samples of syllabus language available on ETS Respondus Resource Site for using Lockdown Browser and Monitor.
Installation
Respondus Lockdown is an application used during online exams to prevent cheating. By locking down students’ computers, Respondus Lockdown creates a restricted test-taking environment in which students cannot print, visit other URLs, switch applications or take screenshots during an exam – thus mitigating risk for cheating in supervised classrooms or lab environments. Students using Respondus Lockdown on their own devices or loaner laptops are available.
On first launching the app, students will be asked to select an institution and server (Maryville University of Saint Louis is preselected by default). After this step is completed, it will automatically self-lock to start an assessment, with students knowing it has gone smoothly when they see this message:
Prior to beginning an exam with Respondus Lockdown, students must close all applications except those which connect directly to the internet and any that might block webcam or microphone functionality, such as screen capture or instant messaging applications. When taking an exam with Respondus Lockdown quiz, system controls become locked down and students cannot exit or restart browser until their instructor approves them for another question.
If an app cannot connect to the webcam or it takes an unusually long time for the screen to show after unlocking, this may be related to anti-virus or firewall settings. Temporarily disabling them may provide temporary relief; otherwise please reach out to your instructor for further assistance.
Respondus Lockdown and Respondus Monitor are complementary applications of Respondus for iOS that can help proctor exams remotely and generate automated reports of student activity during assessments, helping instructors detect suspicious behaviors and devise the necessary course of action. Monitor isn’t mandatory for every exam – students should consult their instructor about if and when it should be used before starting to set it up for exams. If permitted to use Monitor during an assessment session, their instructor will walk them through its setup procedure.
Practice Quizzes
Respondus Lockdown Browser with Monitor offers instructors who use proctoring in their classes a great opportunity to test that its software runs smoothly on student computers before giving an actual graded test. A practice quiz can help ensure everything runs smoothly on all student PCs well before exam time arrives – just create a one-question quiz and give it to all your students as early as possible – just ensure they install and close any screen capture apps prior to taking this practice test!
Students taking practice exams through LDB will see a message advising them that their computer is being prepared for online proctoring; please be patient while the software installs.”
Once their practice quiz is completed, students can click the Launch LockDown Browser link to begin their exam in Canvas. This will initiate a session of Respondus Monitor that prevents students from printing, copying, taking screenshots or accessing other websites while the quiz is ongoing.
When students take tests that require LDB, notifications will appear when their time runs out and when leaving an exam for any reason. At that point, if their test is timed and they save and exit it before returning later on, the timer will restart once they return back into it; to prevent this happening again instructors can use “Lock students into browser until exam completed” option in LDB Settings to prevent this.
Instructors may wish to allow their students to use iPads in proctored labs or classrooms by selecting this option from the LDB Dashboard under Advanced Settings. It is advised that instructors only use this for quizzes and low stake exams. In order for this feature to work effectively, it will require them to be connected to a campus network using wireless connectivity from their iPad as well as configured with support for UD Secure VPN and WiFi hotspot access for success; otherwise they’ll need either to connect at home wireless or connect at testing location.
Troubleshooting
Respondus Lockdown Browser/Monitor app works best with wired internet connectivity; using wireless may result in poor performance or interruptions to tests. Students should ensure to close and relaunch Respondus between each quiz/exam as well as make sure the iPad system mute button (bell icon) is disabled prior to commencing any exams as once an exam begins, the system mute cannot be enabled back again and students will not be able to complete their test successfully.
To take an exam on an iPad, students first need the app downloaded and guided access enabled on their device by selecting iPad Settings > General > Accessibility > Guided Access and setting a four digit passcode – making sure they write down this number for use at the end of their exam as they’ll need it in order to exit Guided Access and unlock their iPad at its conclusion. They should then follow Student Instructions for iPads when beginning to take their quiz or exam.
Students using Chromebooks must install the LockDown Browser extension before taking an exam, following the link provided in WebCampus to install it. Unlike desktop computer users who can download it directly from Chrome Webstore.
As with any program, other applications like instant messenger apps, iTunes or media managers, file sharing agents like Bittorent or antivirus software may cause LockDown Browser to lock up or stop responding; to ensure an optimal experience when taking exams or quizzes. It is recommended that students completely close all these applications prior to beginning.
If a student encounters difficulties while taking an exam or quiz, they should first speak to their instructor. Most often they can help troubleshoot and resolve it directly with them; otherwise they can submit a support ticket through Canvas by clicking on “Help” then selecting “Report a Problem”, this option will open a tab with an online form for them to fill out in which they can explain their issue as well as submit images as proof of it happening.